When I think of Sloan’s defining moment as an 8-year-old, it comes to me quickly. On a cold Saturday night in January, my daughter was called up to the lectern at St. Mary Catholic Church and asked to read an essay she wrote. In front of the entire congregation, she courageously shared her faith. As she wrapped up, she asked everyone seated in the pews: “Is Jesus a priority to you?”

So yeah, there’s that. But besides the defining moment, Sloan had a packed year with a boatload of other special moments. I don’t want to go on too long, but let me share just a few…

Sloan had a wonderful year as an 8-year-old. Here comes 9! (photo courtesy of Nicole Lynn Photography)

Although sports might not be her passion, she still put herself out there by playing another season of soccer and trying basketball for the first time. And while athletics might not be her thing, she discovered a different competitive activity that might suit her better—chess. Sloan performed in front of her peers during the St. Mary talent show and performed on a cruise ship in a Taylor Swift karaoke competition. When it comes to that cruise ship, it took her to different places in the western Caribbean to complement her other 8-year-old travel adventures to Disney World, Leavenworth, and Missoula.

Sloan chilling out in Leavenworth as an 8-year-old.

Sloan ran with me in a Color Run and ran around the bases at the local minor league ballpark. She embraced her feminine side by getting her ears pierced and going on a special spa day with a family friend. She took up chores (thank goodness) and improved her cooking skills so that she can confidently prepare herself a hot meal whenever she feels like it. My daughter dressed up as Lilo for Halloween, swam her heart out during the summer, built complex Lego sets with ease, and read the Harry Potter books.

Sloan completed a Color Run this past year.

Returning to her faith, Sloan was a lector during mass, she gave her first confession, and she started First Eucharist/Confirmation prep. Her love for God continued to grow.

Sloan made her first confession on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Spokane Valley. The middle photo is Sloan with Marie Bricher and Sloan’s friend, Charlotte. Marie is St. Mary’s director of religious education and led the reconciliation prep for Sloan.

How does Sloan top the above as she begins her new journey as a 9-year-old? To be honest, I think a lot of it will come naturally. My daughter embraces opportunities (sometimes a little too willingly 😉) so she will no doubt navigate through another year of activities and adventures. Sid and I hope that this trip around the sun will bring more maturity, especially when it relates to her temper and sassiness. I also hope she realizes drama for what it really is—unnecessary.

Sloan will continue to be adventurous as a 9-year-old but hopefully a little less sassy.

But as long as Sloan continues to heed what she wrote in her essay by prioritizing Jesus, I have no doubt that her 365 days at 9 will be her best year yet. Don’t Blink.